Real Madrid consider repeating the ‘Endrick route’ with another teenage prodigy – report | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid last summer from River Plate in a deal worth over €60 million, becoming the most expensive sale in Argentine domestic football.

The 18-year-old gem enjoyed a positive start under Xabi Alonso, but fitness issues soon sidelined him and saw him lose prominence in the team gradually.

Once Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Alonso as manager, Mastantuono was given a number of opportunities to make an impression, but he failed to take them. Now, the Argentine wonderkid finds himself struggling for minutes.

Mastantuono to follow the ‘Endrick route’?

Now, according to OK Diario, Mastantuono could follow the path taken by Endrick and leave Real Madrid on loan next season in search of the playing time he needs to continue his development.

At 18 years old, the Argentine has gradually lost prominence, starting only five of the 17 matches under Arbeloa and not completing any of them.

Real Madrid, who had firmly rejected the possibility of loaning Mastantuono during the winter transfer window, are now reconsidering their position.

Mastantuono could be loaned out in the summer. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)

The Spanish capital giants no longer rule out a loan move next season, aiming to provide him with the minutes required to mature before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu as a more complete player.

The success of the ‘Endrick route’, with the Brazilian currently gaining regular playing time on loan at Olympique Lyon, encourages a similar approach with the young Argentine.

No permanent buy clause

As such, a loan move for Mastantuono this summer is a strong possibility, particularly if Real Madrid bring back Nico Paz as expected.

However, what is clear within the club is that any loan would not include a buy option and would be to a European team competing not only domestically but also in either the Champions League or the Europa League.

Mastantuono is unlikely to lack suitors, as Real Madrid already rejected around a dozen approaches for him during the last winter transfer window.